10 Ways to Liven Up Your Holiday PartyIt's so worth it to do it right! Checkout our perfect tips for making your holiday party more festive:

Give Out Festive Party FavorsMake sure your flair for the festivities stands out this holiday season. Put your own spin on timeless traditions with personalized gift bags or keep the jolly times flowing with these stemless wine glasses.

There’s no limit to how creative you can get with your party favors, but if you don’t have time to work your magic this year, there are so many more amazing creations waiting for you over at Etsy.

Make A Menu of Signature Holiday CocktailsSpirits beget spirit, and that’s even more true for the holiday kind. Be the merry mixologist at this year’s bash with some seriously flavorful and refreshing cocktails, like jingle juice, or a Santa Clausmopolitan. Yup, that’s a thing -- a very delicious thing.

Bust Out the Christmas KaraokeOnce the cocktails have been flowing for a while, your guests might not be able to contain their merrymaking much longer. Why not line up a few of your favorite holiday instrumentals and sing your hearts out? Most songs even feature videos on Youtube with the lyrics, like this Mariah Carey classic.

Send Out Themed InvitationsNothing tends to get partygoers more psyched than themed invitations. There’s no shortage of themes to go with, from an ugly sweater soiree to something a little bit sweeter, you’re bound to find something that gets your guests in the mood.

Go All Out with the DecorationsThe song tells you to “deck the halls,” but this year, really, really deck them. You can even personalize your ornaments to give your party that added custom touch.

Get Creative with the TreatsFrom stencils to molds and everything in between, there’s no limit to how creative you can get with your yule tide confections. Satisfy every sweet tooth in the house while serving up holiday cheer at the same time.

Play White Elephant or Secret SantaWhether you’re trying to save a little cash this year, or you just want to spice up your gift-giving, White Elephant or secret santa are both great ways to kick things off. And best of all, gone are the days of writing everybody’s name on a paper and picking one out of a hat. Site’s like Elfster take all the hassle out of the process, letting you draw guests’ names online. And you can even set drawing restrictions, just to make sure mom and dad don’t get each other again this year.

Incorporate Themed Dress or CostumesHave you ever served Rudolph a cup of eggnog? Have you ever square danced with a snowman? Why not this year? Encourage your guests to don their finest holiday garb. If you really want to up the ante, hold a costume contest. You’ll be surprised how many reindeer stop by to visit.

Have A Fire Christmas PlaylistKeep the music coming this year with a music service like Spotify. Whether you’re looking for timeless Christmas carols to something a little more modern, you’re bound to find the perfect mix for your get-together.

Give BackWhen it comes down to it, we love the holidays because it gives us the warm fuzzies on the inside. Nothing makes you feel warmer or fuzzier than the knowledge that you gave back at the end of another year.Make it count this year by making a donation to groups like Make-A-Wish, St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital, or the American Cancer Society. There are really no wrong choices here, as long as you’re doing your part to spread a little cheer far and near.

If you want to plan the perfect holiday soiree, we'd love to help! Contact us today!

So you’ve said “yes to the dress” and, after some intense shopping sessions, your wedding day ensemble is complete. Time to step back and catch your breath.​Just not for too long. There’s still plenty of beautifying to do.

It might be the prettiest garment you ever wear, but that dress you spent hours picking out is far from the be-all end-all when it comes to your wedding wardrobe. Here are just a few things to think about to make sure your budget stays looking good, too.​Engagement Photos Let’s be real. Nobody likes an outfit repeater. Who wants to be wearing the same thing in your engagement photos as in your actual wedding?

Whether it’s a new outfit, a new hairstyle, or the whole beauty bonanza, you’re going to want to set a slice of your budget aside for what should be your most memorable photo shoot ever.

​Wedding PartyWe’re not talking about the kind of party that will go down the aisle with you on your big day. We’re talking dancing, cocktails, and, if you’re doing it right, a whole lot of karaoke.

Whether it’s an engagement party, a bachelorette party, or a “I still can’t believe I’m getting married in six months” party, bomb budgeting skills will take you far.

Remember to take into account all you’ll need for the party. What will you wear? What will you be serving? Will you have a DJ or your friend’s son’s band that you sometimes hear practicing next door?

Answering questions like this are essential to setting real expectations for yourself and making sure you don’t go over-budget too soon.

​Bridal ShowerWe would lump this in with parties above, but keep in mind sometimes brides have more than one bridal shower. And if that’s you, do you. You deserve it. But keep in mind the costs associated with every wardrobe choice and hairdo.

​The Wedding WeekendYour wedding weekend is a lot more than a ceremony and a fancy dinner. It's a celebration of true love with all of your closest friends. So you better look damn good for it, right?

How expansive you want to make your weekend wardrobe is entirely up to you. Just remember you’ll have:

Your rehearsal

Your rehearsal dinner

Your pre-ceremony photos

Ceremony

Cocktail hour

Reception

Possibly a post-wedding brunch

Remember what we said earlier about outfit repeaters?

Finally, Glamorize and Accessorize.​We’ve been talking mostly clothes, but behind every great outfit there’s an armada of accessories. From game-changing makeup to refreshing mani-pedis for every occasion, do style your way.

2018 has given us a lot of great things: Black Panther, the iPhone X, Beychella and the list goes on! There has also been an abundance of songs perfect for all the moments during your wedding. What do you think about our “Hit 15” list of the best wedding songs of 2018 so far?

Let’s be honest for a minute: Putting together that wedding gift registry is low-key the bane of any newly wed-to-be’s existence. Sure, you can cram it chalk full of every gravy boat and gourmet popcorn maker in the store, but there’s always that nagging feeling you’re missing something a lot more important. Here are five fire ideas for gifts that belong on your registry. And no worries, you can totally thank us later.

Reliable Baking WareIt’s not the most exciting wedding gift idea, but it is the one that will keep on giving. Whether you’re serving up sweets at the next neighborhood bash or you’ve decided to treat yourself as part of a quiet night in, you’ll find a sturdy, elegant baking ware set comes to the rescue every time.

You simply can’t go wrong requestingthis killer 10-piece set from the queen of the kitchen, Rachael Ray herself, especially because it’s non-stick. You’ll be thanking your lucky stars you put this bad boy on your registry.

Self-inking rubber stampSpeaking of giving thanks, once the cake has been cut and your wedding day has reached i fairytale ending, you’re going to find yourself with an awful lot of thank-you notes to write. It’s no wonder they leave this part out of all the stories. Who wants to read about Cinderella and Prince Charming pouring over a guest list, trying to personalize each note of gratitude?​Make the post-wedding postage a little less tedious with this clever self-inking rubber stamp, complete with interchangeable plates so you can send multiple messages. Plus, you get to upload your own personalized artwork, so guests will know you’re not just mailing it in.

Furniture care kitYou want your wedding day to be perfect, but your furniture won’t always be. Dings, dents and scuffs happen. They’re unavoidable, like junk mail or bad Adam Sandler movies.Keep your favorite furniture pieces sparkling for years to come with this versatile furniture care kit. Whether you’re looking to give a wood finish some extra sheen or you’re looking to rejuvenate some worn out leather, this kit has everything you need to get it done.

Wireless speaker systemThe music shouldn’t stop with the last dance of the evening. Keep the party jumping with a bumping speaker setup and make sure the dancing never stops. After all, any floor can be a dance floor if a song’s good enough.Make sure your registry includes thisdynamic speaker setup from Sonos. Not only are you able to play your jams anywhere in your home, but you can control it with your voice and connect it to over 30 streaming services. It’s the audio equivalent to having your cake and eating it too.​

Ask for a donationNot quite sure what to ask for on this big day? How about you use your special day to make someone else’s a little special, too? Find a charity that really stands out to you, and request that your guests make a donation instead of a gift.​It’s a great way to start giving back early, and you can bet you’ll ride off into the sunset feeling warm and fuzzy inside, and it won’t just be the champagne.

You didn’t think it would ever happen. You thought your fella popping the question was about as likely as a humble Kardashian. But it did happen. The man of your dreams got down on one knee and asked you to spend the rest of your life with him, and everybody around you ugly cried a lot.The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and your girlfriends are squealing with delight. It’s not a dream. You know because you’ve pinched yourself five times in the last hour.​And then, just like that, reality starts to set in. You’re getting married, and you’re going to have to plan your own wedding! We predict you’ve gone from 😌 To 😱​But don’t worry. Weddings have been a part of life since the beginning of time, and if your ancestors could pull it off, you definitely can. After all, you’re from the generation that invented the selfie stick.Here are a few tips to make the planning process pretty close to painless.

Talk It OutRemember that everyone has a different vision of what they want their wedding to be. Some people grow up fantasizing about the big day, while others don’t really think about it until they have a ring on their finger. Some brides-to-be want an elaborate, fairytale extravaganza, while lowkey’s the name of the game for others.Before you start your next chapter together, make sure you’re both on the same page. Sit down with your partner and talk it out. Make sure to share your expectations for the big day, and make sure you listen to theirs, too. Communication is key in any relationship, but it’s everything when it comes to weddings.

Make So Many ListsTop 10 lists aren’t just for Buzzfeed. They’re also a super tool for organizing your thoughts. Work with your partner on lists of:

Your dream venues

DJ’s, bands or other entertainers you’d like to be a part of the festivities

The people you really need to invite

The people you really don’t want to invite, especially Denise in accounting who’s always stealing your Coke out of the work fridge.

Wow, we just made a list and we feel better. Hopefully you do, too. You got this.

​​​Brainstorm a budget

​​Nobody likes crunching numbers -- well except maybe Denise in accounting -- but when you’re talking weddings, it’s important to work together on a realistic budget that works for you both. Take the lists you put together earlier and start attaching dollar amounts to each item. You’ll be surprised how far a little perspective will take you.

Create a Timeline​Do you want to get married in three months? Six? Or maybe you want to take the James Cameron route and make everybody wait 10 years.​Once you and your partner agree on a reasonable budget to spend on the wedding, start getting real about how much time it’s going to take coordinating it all. Will you enjoy your big day if you have it three months from now, or will you be too stressed to take it all in?

Remember That Wedding Planners Are a Thing​Some of us thrive on making weddings happen. Others can’t stand the pressure and would much rather have somebody do it for them. That’s where a great wedding planner comes into play. Let’s call them professional worryers. Make worrying about your wedding cake their job. Let a planner work with you on choosing the perfect flowers, centerpieces, libations, and everything else, leaving you time to do the fun stuff like picking out the perfect dress.​Our team at Events Unleashed are ready and willing to handle every aspect of your big day, and we’re just as prepared to step back and let you call the shots.​Remember, no matter how big or small, it’s your day, and the best way to pull it off without any tears is to take it one step at a time. Make your wedding happen your way.

When we see the hashtag, #shesaidyes or #ido in our minds that means you can finally take your private and secret Pinterest board and make it official and public! You've probably created 7 different weddings within one board as you begin the process after you actually got the bling.... who cares, it doesn't have to be a secret anymore!

Now what?

Start Here:
1. Talk to your fiance about the most important aspects of the wedding in their opinion and create a list of your own.

2. Prioritize the list, narrow it down to the top 3 (they don't have to be the same)! These top 3 most important areas are the starting point to planning a meaningful and memorable wedding! This also provides insight on where you will want to make sure you lean in to ask for help!

3. Ask your families if there are any important traditions that they would like to see for your special day!

4. Here comes the B* word! Yep, you know what it is, Budget! Ask yourself, how much financially you are willing to pay for the wedding? Will you dip into your savings? Will you start a savings account from every paycheck? What's your plan? Will you have family members that will contribute?

It's tough to be come up with a real wedding budget when you haven't planned a wedding before, so a good number to consider as a starting point is $200 per guest. In no way is this always the case, just a good place to consider starting. This number will also make you consider who you REALLY want to invite!

After you have completed the steps above, contact us, we would be delighted to help you take it from there! ​​​

Brides with weddings set for the fall/early winter are treated to an array of favorite fall colors for their use on the most special day of their lives — think maroon, grey, brown, gold, and that warm, comforting olive green — but what happens when you apply the trendiest colors to your makeup look for the day? Magic!

This fall, the industry’s revered fashion designers are talking about metallic eye shadows, bold lips, and gold or purple tones to make your green or brown eyes pop!

Let’s take a peek at what they’re saying …

When Rihanna launched her Fenty Beauty line, makeup enthusiasts scrambled to get their hands on her products. Her foundation flew off the shelves, but women around the world are loving her lip looks, too! She sent a model down the runway (see first picture below) with a super bold lip and extended cat eye – super trendy, and just enough!

Want to rock the no-makeup makeup look but don’t know where to start? The fresh face with a subtle but smoky eye (see second picture) presented by Mimi Tran still says "au natural" but with a hint of shimmer perfect for your walk down the aisle and partying through the night!

Pucci says that neon eyelashes (see third picture) are the way to go – as long as these colors come in waterproof versions (for when we will inevitably shed a few tears of joy) we’re here for this trend! A strong neon mascara can totally work, as long as you keep your lip and eyeshadow to a bare minimum.​

If you’re a total girly-girl or “matchy-matchy” person, the fourth picture below is the look for you. Pastel eyes and a matching lip make this woman’s skin and eyes pop, and to top it off, her earrings complement her makeup perfectly! Try this trend but be careful not to over saturate the lipstick and the eyeshadow; it’s easy to go from soft and ethereal to an 80s party girl real quick!

Here's some sage advice from a makeup artist on booking someone for your wedding day:"I think it’s really important for brides to look at the portfolio of potential makeup artists and contact artists whose aesthetic fits with their vision. I also recommend that brides contact makeup artists right away and ignore common blogging advice of waiting until a month or two before the wedding, because I’ve been booked a year ahead before, and latecomer brides are disappointed when they find out that their popular wedding date has already been taken."

So, we suggest you schedule your consult with a makeup artist and share your desired wedding date with them ASAP.

Have some tips to share with future brides? Drop them in the comments!

Original photos from cosmopolitan.com, harpersbazaar.com, and brides.com.

​​I know that you may be thinking that hiring an event planning is expensive; why spend more money on a wedding you're already spending more money on? When the dream and reality collide it can be devastating to discover what it truly takes to make that secret Pinterest board come to life as you wrap your head around why all this is necessary.

Granted, spending more money to save yourself stress, time and money seems super oxymoronic; we understand.

We hear you loud and clear, but the other boss voice reminds you that your time is just as valuable as your money; when will you actually have more of the time that you already don't have?

How many hours are you scouring the internet to find the perfect whatchmacallit that goes on that thing to only find yourself in a rabbit hole and feeling like you should have just eloped already?

Breathe ... you've got us to help you make the right wedding money moves!

Let us tell you about the many ways our professional expertise helps you rest easy at night. Call us at 512-270-8796 or e-mail us at info@eventsunleashed.com, let's have a heart to heart.

Yes, now. Especially before your family and friends are looking at you sideways saying "bless her/his/their heart(s)."

Mark 10:6-9 emphasizes the beauty of marriage and there are many ways to outwardly express an inward commitment two your spouse. One way that we love to see are the elements that couples choose to symbolize their union. The Unity Cross is a simply gorgeous idea to consider. The outer cross symbolizes the man and his covering of the delicate and intricate cross that represents the woman and there are three pegs that represent the father, son and holy spirit.